Winter Movie Preview: February 2018

I didn’t even bother pretending to make a resolution to always post these things on time, because, as you can see, it would already be broken.

February 2

Winchester

Helen Mirren stars in this classic example of a boneyard burial. You might luck into a decent horror movie on the indie circuit, but mainstream horror movies are sent to January and February to die. Don’t hold your breath for Winchester.

The real Winchester house is cool, though, totally worth visiting.

February 4

The Cloverfield Paradox

In a surprise move, Netflix announced during the Super Bowl they were releasing the latest Cloverfield movie from JJ Abrams’ Bad Robot just after the game. Paradox originated as God Particle and underwent a tortuous development period, only to ultimately be dumped on Netflix by Paramount. Paradox plays like a movie that was difficult to put together and had no studio support.

Netflix

February 9

Fifty Shades Freed

Everyone involved with this movie looks like they’re glad it’s over.

Peter Rabbit

Do not let these terrible trailers fool you, Peter Rabbit is SUPER CUTE. It’s very funny, playing well to kids and their parents. It works mostly on Rose Byrne’s breezy charm and Domhnall Gleeson’s tremendous comedic ability (he was on a sketch comedy show in Ireland, once upon a time). It doesn’t have the heart of Paddington 2, but Peter Rabbit has its own daffy charm.

The 15:17 to Paris

Clint Eastwood tells the story of the American servicemen who stopped a terrorist attack on a French train, casting the actual serviceman as themselves. I mean, okay. It’s Clint. He does whatever he wants and we’re expected to enjoy it.

February 16

Black Panther

Wakanda forever!

Early Man

Always nice to see new stuff from Aardman Animations, and this looks like a cute dumb movie.

February 23

Annihilation

Not unlike The Cloverfield Paradox, this is another movie Paramount dumped on Netflix, selling off the international rights instead of releasing it theatrically. It doesn’t look bad, but it does look like the kind of weird no one knows what to do with.

Game Night

INTO IT.

The Lodgers

I missed this at TIFF last fall, and was bummed. This is the kind of art house horror that can fly under the radar during the winter months, and is usually worth checking out (see also: The Blackcoat’s Daughter).